Gurugram, Apr 29: In a landmark achievement in advanced orthopaedic care, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram has successfully performed a rare and complex simultaneous bilateral hip replacement on an 81-year-old elderly man. He had been suffering from severe disability due to Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of both hips, a condition where blood supply to the hip joint is compromised. The team of doctors led by Dr. Debashish Chanda, Senior Director & Unit Head, Orthopedic, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram successfully treated the patient and he was discharged in 2 days.
The patient had been bedridden for four years, dependent on assistance even for minimal movement. Upon admission at Fortis Gurugram and following a comprehensive evaluation, the team of doctors, opted for a simultaneous bilateral hip replacement using a minimally invasive, robot-assisted approach conducted in a single sitting. The complex procedure, completed in approximately three hours, involved replacing both hip joints with high precision, an advantage associated with robotic-assisted surgeries, which enable enhanced accuracy and tissue preservation. Demonstrating an exceptional recovery, the patient was able to stand on the same day of surgery and walk independently the very next morning, an outcome that underscores both clinical excellence and patient resilience. This case is believed to be among the first-of-its-kind globally in this age group, marking a significant milestone in advanced orthopedic care.
Giving details of the case, Dr. Debashish Chanda, Senior Director & Unit Head, Orthopaedics, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “This case is truly exceptional, not just because of the patient’s age, but due to the complexity of performing simultaneous bilateral hip replacement in a 81-year-old man. Traditionally, such procedures are avoided to reduce risk. However, with advancements in minimally invasive techniques, robotic assistance, and precise anaesthetic protocols, we were able to perform the surgery safely in a single sitting. This case reinforces that age alone should not be a barrier to receiving advanced surgical care when supported by the right expertise and infrastructure.”
“In elderly patients, such procedures are often staged due to higher risks like blood clots, heart issues, infections, and poor bone quality. Remarkably, the patient regained mobility within hours and started walking the very next day, an uncommon recovery at this age. Completed in under three hours using epidural anaesthesia, the procedure leveraged robotic technology and imaging for greater precision, less blood loss, and faster healing,” Dr Chanda added.
Yash Rawat, Senior Vice President and SBU Head, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “This case underscores the importance of timely medical intervention, as prolonged delay can lead to worsening disability and reduced outcomes. It also highlights how cutting-edge technology and comprehensive care protocols are redefining possibilities in geriatric orthopaedic surgery.”
